Elizabethton welcomes new addiction recovery home for women
Published 3:02 pm Wednesday, January 11, 2023
- Contributed Photo A ribbon-cutting was hosted by the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.
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By Angela Cutrer
Elizabethton Star
An existing house in Elizabethton has been officially greeted by the Chamber of Commerce.
This house is not a regular one — it’s specifically geared toward helping women struggling with addiction. Once a woman decides she wants a different life, a project called “Bridge to Shore Recovery” can offer a hand of support to ensure every possible means of help is available to someone looking to change her life for the better.
The home, which is called the “Iris House,” is one such support. Named in honor of the late Haley Johnson, who passed away in November 2021, the house sleeps six.
“She was a strong woman in and out of recovery and we are honored to name the house in her memory,” said Tia Hughes, Bridge to Shore Recovery’s executive director, of Johnson. Johnson is said to have had a profound impact helping other women struggling with addiction.
“Our program was created by women in recovery for women seeking recovery,” Hughes added. “Bridge to Shore provides housing, referral to evidence-based treatment and community resources, and case management to meet the needs of women new to recovery from substance use disorder.”
Letting go of an addiction is no easy feat, especially when the attempt is solo.
That doesn’t need to be the case. There are organizations that focus on recovery and the whole metamorphosis necessary to re-evaluate life choices to go in a different direction.
One such means of help is housing and job referrals for women. That’s why seven months ago six housemates were welcomed through the doors at 509 Allen Ave.
And on Tuesday, a formal celebratory ribbon-cutting sealed the deal, hosted by the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber welcomed the new residents and those involved with the house. “We are so fortunate to have Bridge to Shore in Carter County to provide a safe resource for women in recovery,” said Joy McCray, executive director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce. “Having the tools and treatment available to get back on track is key in the journey of recovery.”
Bridge to Shore Recovery “provides a path for women in recovery to heal, rebuild self-esteem and repair relationships through connecting them to 12-step recovery, partnered resources and housing,” its website at bridgetoshoretn.com stated. “Bridge to Shore Recovery believes that every woman deserves the opportunity to be lifted up and provided resources to help achieve long-term recovery.”
To see how you can support the recovery process for local women, email bridge2shore423@gmailcom or call 423-470-9203 or 423-523-1368.
